Authorised Dealer or Parallel Importer

[Bluecollar]

Hi All

 

New to this site but find your threads interesting. Maybe you guys can help to advise.

 

Intend to buy either a Toyota IST or the Honda Jazz, although my wife and I like the IST more but are afraid that parallel importer cannot meet expectations. Of course like my wife said "cannot expect too much if you want to pay so little" *sign*

 

So thus anyone have any experiences with parallel importer either good or bad are welcome. Please advise.

 

Thanks

[Chengjt]

Hi,

 

I bought my car from parallel importer. After the 3 services, I'm done with them.

 

So far, no problem.

 

If you buy from established brand and common models, you should not have problem. But since my friend works at Kah, if you are buying Jazz, go to Kah motor lah. If you are buying iST, then go ahead with parallel importer.

 

- JT -

[Bluecollar]

Hi JT

 

Thanks for your feedback. Just want to know can your PI deliver your car as promise or after much hassle. If you don't mind can let me know who is the PI?

 

What about servicing and spare parts from PI workshop? Do they have any spares to service your car?

 

Sorry, so many question.....

 

Thanks

[Gadgeter]

Cheng,

 

How much saving are you looking at when you purchase a car from Parallel Importer?

[Chengjt]

My car is not available from the authorized distributor. So no choice lah.

 

There are some risks associated with getting from PI (timely warranty claims, replacement for parts, trained mechanics). So, if you think you can save more by buying from PI, go ahead.

 

I think you will be able to save more with buying the popular models, but there are not many popular models offered by PI (since it may not be worth for them to bring such models in).

 

For example, there are a number of fake Lexus rs300 on the road (from PI); they brought in Toyota Harrier and redo it to look exactly like a rs300.

 

If you are buying an exotic model (meaning not popular), then you need to take some risk in terms of owning the car and finding good support (availability of parts) and repairs (mechanic, workshop).

 

For my car, I've found a group of folks owning the same car, and we are bringing in mods and have a experience mechanic/workshop among us.

 

- JT -

[Chengjt]

My PI is Vincar. Not everyone thinks they are good, so form your own opinion. I find them ok, but the workshop I picked for servicing my car sucks.

 

I think the PIs share a network of workshops. For basic servicing, if your car is normal (non performance oriented) type, then most workshops have no problem.

 

The PI workshops have no problem in getting parts. It's the warranty claims that you may have problems with. So, if there is no defect, then you would be a very happy owner. Otherwise, things can go either way.

 

It's a matter of how much risks you can tahan .....

 

- JT -

[Gadgeter]

cheng,

 

Noted and thanks for sharing the info.

[Bluecollar]

Hi JT, you really brighten up my day man!

 

Thank You for your info. BTW what car did you buy from VinCar?

 

Thanks

[Chengjt]

Honda Integra.

 

- JT -

[Fabiaman]

Read up today's ST Life section.

 

Basically a write up on a HK parallel importer who will team up with Borneo Motors in parallel importing models of the Toyota that Borneo doesnt bring in... on top of it, the parallel importer offers 2 years warranty on the car - OFFERED by Borneo!

 

Sounds quite good... will see how it turn out.

[Bluecollar]

Hi Fabiaman

 

Heard about this as well, but when we inquire on IST prices it is quite high. Basically they are PI selling at Dearler's pricing.

 

Of course we can get all the warranty stuff offered by Borneo.

[Super7]

so the good point about PI teaming up with AAgent for warranties etc is that we have more choices plus the usual warranties expected form AAgents........ but prices may not be much lower (if at all) than AAgent's if the latter does bring in the particular model..............

 

cheers

[Mondeo]

The guy in HK stuck-up a whole warehouse of the Toyota stocks. So P/I cars to S'pore may not be update model.

[Offroader]

I guess some get cars from PIs due to the lower price and not all due to the lack of a particular model. However, this HK guy's approach corners part of the market in a way.....uncommon model+agent servicing. However, price is close to agent because they r pretty close to being an agent cause got agent backing!.......

 

If still want the good old PI prices but willig to compromise on the servicing, go to a normal PI. However, source out a good work shop or a few owners can come together and lobby for a workshop to up the adequate service quality - owner get satisfactory service + worksop get continued business + PIs get more sales with a reliable workshop for after sales referal.

[Mondeo]

Agreed among of them want lower price instead of speical model from PI company, HK agent sure not problem of the spare parts since HK already have it.

Alot of owners actaully send their cars to their prefered workshop instead of agents-more reliable.

[Bluecollar]

Hi JT

 

We've just firm with one of the PI and now after all the downpayments, 1st installment and insurance calculated. They said we have to pay another $340.00 "kick ball" money.

 

Did you pay anything like this when you got your car? Please advise.

 

Thanks

Blue

[Offroader]

Acutally, some of the motor workshops r better than the agents. WHile some do not have access to certain computer diagonistic programmes or computers, they do give better service and r friendlier.

 

That is why from here ....owners with PI cars can actually form their own collective and engage a workshop with am agreement...!

Edited November 13, 2002 by Offroader

[Mondeo]

Agreed, That Y I still go to my own Mech.